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School processes should be transparent, and everyone who has a view should have a chance to be heard. Community consultation should precede a decision, not serve to validate it after the fact. I think this is especially important when it comes to potential changes in school boundaries and the construction of new facilities.
Arlington schools can build on their success. We should continue to strengthen neighborhood schools while providing options for parents. I will support continued efforts to minimize class sizes, and I will encourage every student to become proficient in at least one language besides English. I also want to ensure that standardized testing time is justified and used effectively.
There is great value in having Arlington teachers live in Arlington neighborhoods. I will look for creative and cost-effective ways to help teachers live in our community. This will be good for our children, our teachers, and our neighborhoods.
With new schools costing up to $100 million, we have to maximize their use. Our school system should work actively to share its recreational facilities and buildings. Our facilities should be available year-round to the Arlington residents who are paying for them, whether or not they have school-aged children.
Walking and biking are healthful, good for the environment, and strengthen neighborhoods. Our school system must share the responsibility to make it as safe and welcoming as possible for children to get to school on foot or bike. I will also work to support employees who walk, bike, carpool, or take transit - something that many private firms in Arlington are doing.